School award launched in memory of Fil-Am whose death remains a mystery

The Beloved Community Charter High School in Jersey City has launched the Lee Alvarado Memorial Award. FILE PHOTO

SAN FRANCISCO – The death of 18-year-old Filipino American student Hayley “Lee” Alvarado has prompted an outpouring of tributes – including a school award that was launched earlier this week to honor her legacy.

The Beloved Community Charter High School (BCCH) in Jersey City has launched the Lee Alvarado Memorial Award in honor of the Fil-Am student, who graduated summa cum laude from BCCH.

The award will be presented to a graduating senior “who exemplifies Lee’s many wonderful characteristics, including unwavering empathy, kindness, quiet leadership, loyalty, creativity and insatiable hunger for learning,” said Anthony Bongiorno, Student Council adviser, during the Class of 2024 Senior Award Luncheon on May 29.

Laura Siegel, also a Student Council adviser, described Hayley as “incredibly talented, intelligent, insightful, kind and special human being.”

“Lee’s positive impact on our school community and its family members is as vast and as deep as the grief we feel in her absence,” Siegel said. “Lee and her family remain in our thoughts and prayers every single day.”

“Words cannot fully express our gratitude for this incredible tribute to our beloved Lee Alvarado,” said Hayley’s father, Stephen Alvarado.

“The establishment of a memorial award in her honor is a touching and enduring way to remember her and keep her spirit alive within this community. We are deeply moved that her legacy will continue to inspire and motivate students each year through this award.”

Hayley, who had been missing since she left her Jersey City home just before Christmas last year, was found dead in Newark Bay near a park in Bayonne on March 5. There were no visible signs of trauma on Hayley’s body, according to authorities.

The medical examiner has not yet determined the cause of death.

Born on Oct. 9, 2005, in Tacloban City, Hayley left “a legacy of kindness, brilliance and passionate advocacy” and was “a beacon of light for those privileged to know her,” according to Hayley’s obituary.